Protect Your Chicago Home from Ants and Termites
Every resident in the Chicago area has faced little crawling insects at some point. A few may be dismissible, but a steady flow of insects or increased activity can raise concerns that a professional pest control company should address. When possible, those who reside in Chicago prefer to use environmentally conscious pest control because it is safe for people and pets and eco-friendly. Low-toxicity pest control services are highly effective when performed by professionals who understand how insects behave, where they hide, and how to get to the root of the issue. To the untrained eye, distinguishing these two insects from one another can be a challenge. Termites can devastate a home’s structure, and visible signs of their presence can indicate an infestation. It is never recommended to wait for it out and see if it goes away on its own because it won’t. If you see signs of ants or termites in your home, contact Bigfoot Pest Control today if you live in the DuPage and Cook County areas. We offer thorough inspections and can provide on-the-spot treatments to protect your home.
Ants and Termites Compared
These common household pests are often confused with one another. Although they look similar, there are distinct differences in their appearance and, more so, in their life cycle and behaviors. A professional pest control technician knows what the eggs look like, where they hide, and how best to mitigate an issue in the home.
Appearance
Although both ants and termites are social insects that build and live in colonies, their appearance and other behaviors differ in more ways than they are similar. The ant has a cinched waist, whereas a termite’s body shape is consistent. Ants tend to be darker in color and have bent antennae. Wings can be on both ants and termites, so this is not always an indicator. If you see either, it is best to have a professional come out to confirm which pests you are dealing with, so you can tailor a plan to get rid of them.
Diet
Ants can adapt easily and more readily find food sources in a variety of places. Ant infestations can be in the garden, grass, and inside the home. Ants thrive on crumbs and anything sugary left unprotected. Although seemingly innocent, Carpenter ants do not eat wood, they tunnel through it and can still cause damage because they use tunneled wood as a highway to their nests. Termites, on the other hand, have a more restricted diet that is comprised of materials found in wood and plants. Sometimes termites eat paper and fabrics, which is why a termite infestation can significantly damage a home and should be addressed immediately.
Ant and Termite Life Cycles
Ants and termites both lay eggs. Ant eggs are small and white and may be spread out along what appears to be a path. Termite eggs are clustered tightly together and hidden out of sight within the structure of their nest. Only a professional pest technician can determine which eggs are in the home and where they are located. One thing to know is that if you see termite activity, there are eggs nearby. Larvae look different for each, as termite larvae look like small ants and ant larvae look like maggots. A quality pest control treatment plan will exterminate ants and termites in all stages to prevent infestations from resurfacing. Ensure openings are sealed after extermination so ants and termites don’t return to the same spot.
The When and Where Factors
One of the most evident signs of pests, whether ants or termites, is where they are found and what time of year they are found. Termites swarm in the spring, as well as ants, but ant swarms do not last very long. Termites are attracted to light, so where activity is found can be a determining factor. Although ants are a nuisance, termites can cause costly damage to homeowners. Correctly identifying ants and termites is crucial to providing pinpoint treatment to eliminate them at all stages. Any pest issue should not be ignored because pests don’t go away; they get better at hiding.
Termite Inspections Make the Difference
If you don’t have a year-round pest treatment plan, today is the day to get a professional service to come to your home and eliminate existing pests, ensuring they are removed and don’t return. The cost of pest control is small compared to the cost of structural damage and invasive displacement that can result from severe infestations. Allow Bigfoot Pest Control to come to your home and do a full termite inspection to identify pests and customize a plan to keep your home pest-free!
Call Bigfoot today for a free inspection at 847-891-8852!